State Sen. Bob Beers, Republican candidate for governor, looked forward to debating Congressman Gibbons on Bill Manders' NewsTalk KOH 780 AM this month. But for most Nevadans, no one has heard of 780 AM, nor do they have access to it.
Gibbons refuses to showcase his instability and inability to serve as governor by debating on forums Nevadans actually have full access to. In short, Gibbons has limited his debate to a medium with low listenership compared to viewership on major television stations. The congressman claims his busy schedule prevents him from debating. Perhaps, the excuse could be his weak positions. Or shaky health. Whatever the story may be, fronting that he has a tight schedule sounds good to voters - so does his voicelessness that could otherwise reveal how ill-prepared Gibbons is for Carson City.
"I'm pleased to hear the congressman is finally ready to lift his so-called moratorium on debates until May, assuming this isn't more double talk," said Beers. "Just last month we heard that the congressman is too busy to debate because 'he has a full-time day job he was elected to.' Of course, the last time I checked, myself and three other candidates have full-time day jobs and are elected to serve."
Beers added that it took 22 days for Gibbons to even agree to any debate. The first debate Gibbons agreed to was a public television debate on Aug. 4, just nine days before the primary election. Any other debates, Gibbons spokesperson Robert Uithoven said, are contingent upon the congressman's busy schedule.
"Perhaps the congressman should have considered his busy Washington lifestyle prior to announcing his candidacy," added Beers. "However, if he has had a change of heart, we should not stop with one radio show. There are many other media outlets interested in hosting debates and I encourage them to call on the congressman so they will not be excluded."
Beers reissued his challenge for 17 debates in 17 counties after Gibbons opposed the Tax and Spending Control (TASC) initiative, which limits government spending by the percentage of population growth plus inflation, unless voters approve an additional increase. It took 57 days for Gibbons to make his decision on TASC without sufficient explanation. LW
